Red Sox optimistic Eduardo Nunez will be available for ALDS vs. Astros

BOSTON -- Last year, Eduardo Nunez was pushed into a postseason pinch-hitting role for the San Francisco Giants because of a late-season injury.

The Boston Red Sox don't believe that will be the case this season.

Although his role has yet to be defined for the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, both Nunez and manager John Farrell are optimistic the versatile infielder will be included on the postseason roster despite a right knee injury that has sidelined him for all but five innings since Sept. 9.

"Everything points to him being available in the series," Farrell said Tuesday.

BOSTON — It wasn’t all gloom during the Boston Red Sox batting practice Saturday at Fenway Park. Hanley Ramirez danced his way back to the dugout, holding a bat above his head. Brock Holt failed miserably at a behind-the-back throw, drawing a patronizing hug from Xander Bogaerts.

But once players stepped into the cage, taking their swings, there was no laughter. No joking. Only focus.

BOSTON — Hanley Ramirez ran onto the field during introductions Sunday at Fenway Park waving a green flag that read: “Believe in Boston.”

On this day, there finally was a reason to believe in David Price.

The $217 million lefty earned some of that cold cash in the Red Sox’s 10-3 victory over the Astros in Game 3 of the ALDS. Price saved a team that appeared ready to be swept out of the playoffs for the second straight year by delivering four shutout innings of relief.

BOSTON -- The celebration on the middle of the diamond of rainy Fenway Park on Monday afternoon was partly an exercise in tension release for the Astros

The Astros had battled the Red Sox for more than four hours of drama-filled October baseball before second baseman Jose Altuve fielded a grounder off the bat of Dustin Pedroia and threw it to first base for the final out of a 5-4 win that locked up Game 4 of the American League Division Series presented by Doosan.

Soon, likely this week, the gavel will drop and the Red Sox front office will hand down its verdict.

Manager John Farrell could be ruled innocent and be cleared to continue steering the ship that’s hauled in just enough success to keep him afloat, despite two straight postseason failures and never-ending public image fiascos.

Or he will be guilty for his role in the way the Sox crumbled.

But the verdict doesn’t stop with Farrell.

Even if he’s to come back, will he ask the rest of his coaching staff to join him?

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today announced that John Farrell will not return as the club’s manager for the 2018 season. A search for a new manager will begin immediately.

President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski made the announcement.

Farrell, 55, completed his fifth season as Red Sox manager in 2017, leading the team to a 93-69 (.574) record and the club’s ninth American League East division title. Boston finished the season with the third-best record in the American League, tied for fifth best in the majors.

During his Red Sox tenure (2013-17), Farrell’s clubs went 432-378 (.533) and earned three division titles (2013, 2016, 2017). His 432 managerial wins and 810 games managed both rank sixth in club history, and he is the only manager ever to lead the Red Sox to consecutive division titles. His first season was highlighted by Boston’s eighth World Series championship, as he was named American League Manager of the Year by The Sporting News.

Farrell began his major league managerial career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011, leading the club to a 154-170 record over two seasons. In his seven full seasons as a manager, his clubs have gone 586-548 (.517).

Farrell’s first professional coaching stint began with the Red Sox in 2007 when he spent four seasons as Boston’s pitching coach. Over that four-year span, he helped lead the Red Sox to three postseason appearances (2007-09), including the club’s 2007 World Series title.